Suddenly, Sacramento is a Destination. Some may credit movie star-turned-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for raising the profile of California’s capital, but the renaissance actually started long before that. Thousands of young professionals, artists and chefs have been moving there over the past decade – and they’ve shunned the suburbs in favor of an urban existence.

Now, the town that used to snooze at 5 p.m. when state employees streamed out of the parking garages has one of the state’s hottest restaurant scenes, half a dozen wine bars (including one at the airport), new boutique hotels, a thriving arts and theater community, and not one but two slick city magazines (Sacramento and Sactown).

Here are the hot spots to hit on a summer getaway:

THE TRENDY TABLES Upscale dining

Fabulous restaurants near the Capitol may soon outnumber the lobbyists. At the new and wildly popular Ella Dining Room and Bar (11th and K streets), buzz is the operative word: From the open kitchen to the party-of-12 tables to the speed-walking staff, this is one chic hive of culinary activity. Try the wood-grilled specialties and the designer cocktails. Other culinary and architectural standouts: Mason’s at the Park Downtown (1116 15th St.); Restaurant 55 Degrees (555 Capitol Mall); Spataro (1415 L St.); Bistro 33 Midtown (1020 16th St.).

Three of the newer Midtown eateries appeal to families: At 2416 J St., Chicago Fire, owned by an Illinois expatriate, serves up deep dish and thin crust nightly from 4 p.m. on. Fins Market & Grill (1901 S St.) specializes in fresh seafood; at $7.95, the calamari and salmon sandwiches are a deal. Suzie Burger, in a restored service station at 29th and P streets, aims to re-create the ’50s drive-in experience with hamburgers, hot dogs and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Wine bars

Pair small dishes or entrees with any number of wines by the glass at the L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen (1801 L St.) and 58 Degrees and Holding Co. (1217 18th St.). In Old Sacramento, the Discover California! Wine Bar (114 J St.) showcases small, boutique wineries from throughout the state. Even Sacramento International Airport passengers can swirl and sip: Vino Volo pours wine flights daily in Terminal A.

Capital classics

Biba (the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna); Ernesto’s (order the carnitas); the Firehouse (elegance in Old Sac); Frank Fat’s (Chinese with a side of politics); Paragary’s (introduced the capital to California cuisine).

THE ARTS AND FESTIVAL SCENE Sacramento Jazz Jubilee

What started 35 years ago as a traditional jazz festival has evolved into a celebration of many genres: blues, Latin, zydeco, big band, swing, Western swing, gospel and ragtime. This year’s Jubilee will present 110 bands over the long Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26) at 32 venues throughout Old Sacramento and downtown. Headlining is New Orleans jazz-funk trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and his Barbecue Swingers. Daily tickets, $20-$40. Details: www.sacjazz.com.

Second Saturday Art Walk

Sacramento’s pleasant summer evenings lend themselves to strolling – and the city’s art galleries are happy to oblige by throwing open their doors on the second Saturday night of each month. Most of the action is in Midtown. Upcoming dates: June 14, July 12, Aug. 9. Find a map, guide and parking tips at http://2nd-sat.com.

Sacramento French Film Festival

Francophiles can view new French film releases as well as showings of French classics in the renovated Crest Theatre downtown. All films are shown with English subtitles. This year’s event runs July 18-27. Details: sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org.

Gold Rush Days

It takes 200 tons of dirt to bring the Gold Rush to life. Yep, those were dusty days, so they cover the paved streets of Old Sacramento, then bring in an array of “living history” characters – gold miners, gunslingers, musicians, soldiers, card sharps, saloon girls, temperance union scolds – to help turn back the hands of time. Kids can pan for gold, play games. Details: Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Free admission. www.discovergold.org.

Capital classics

Music Circus (theater in the round) and the B Street Theatre; California State Fair (Aug. 15-Sept. 1); California State Railroad Museum (don’t miss the Pullman sleeping car); Crocker Art Museum (on until July 27: four centuries of nudes); and Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A baseball).

A PRIMER ON VISITING SACRAMENTO

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor travels from San Jose to Sacramento – and stops right next to Old Sacramento, making it convenient for Jazz Jubilee fans and others. Schedules, rates: www.capitolcorridor.org.

Downtown vs. Midtown

Both areas are just north of Interstate 80. Downtown runs from the Sacramento River/Old Sacramento to 16th Street. The area known as Midtown – or “the grid” to the hip crowd – consists of the blocks from 16th Street east to the Capital City Freeway (Business Interstate 80).

Where to eat

Many of the restaurants listed on Page 1TR are participating in the second annual Sacramento Wine & Dine,June 7-14. This event allows diners to sample three- to four-course dinners at a discount. For a full list, check www.sacramentowineanddine.com.

Need more options? We enjoy (and trust) the reviews by the Sacramento Bee’s team of Mike Dunne (fine dining) and Allen Pierleoni (casual dining). Find them at www.sacbee.com. under Entertainment, then Dining.

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